Cookies for Christmas: German Chocolate Cake Cookies

OK these are a keeper! Relatively easy and easy to eat more than one, these cookies were my second for my 12 Cookies of Christmas adventure. I made these for volunteers at my church's food pantry who have been working tirelessly to distribute gifts from the Giving Tree to those in need this holiday. They enjoyed them a lot. The extras I had, I brought to the craft club we do monthly at church - - the ladies there liked them just as much!

It's a more expensive cookie to make since pecans are so pricey, but they add a nice crunch and flavor to the cookie you can't skip that part.

You can find the recipe here.

My only modification was that I had no chocolate chips (I know, what kind of baker am I?!!) so I had to shave off chocolate from my chocolate bar I bought to make holiday bark. I like to think it made the cookie taste better, but I can't compare it to the chips so who knows. All I know is that I have about five of these cookies in my stomach and I couldn't be happier!

Cookies for Christmas: Thumbprint Cookies

I'm attempting a large undertaking this Christmas: baking 12 different kinds of cookies over the course of 6 days. Not entirely sure I'll be able manage, but for now, I have about 7 cookies I want to do. We'll see where the other 5 come into play ...

I decided to do this because in all the hustle and bustle of the season, you need to slow down and really enjoy what it's all about: family, friends, special moments, cheer, merriness, and an overall appreciation of the absolute reason for the season. It's easy to get caught up in shopping and parties and exchanging presents, so why not spend time in the quiet of a kitchen playing carols and wearing a holiday apron?! That is what slows me down and helps me unwind through this chaotic season.

Today's cookie was a thumbprint cookie. Beyond easy to make and quite delicious. I've made similar cookies to this before, but by far, this was the easiest to make. These cookies are being used as presents for some neighbors of mine. I put them in a blue mason jar instead of a cookie box - something different and of course, the mason jar can be reused and doubles as another gift ;)

Christmas Cookie #1 
Thumbprint Cookies

1/2 lb butter, softened
3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
2 cups flower
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg yolk
Jam (for filling - I used blueberry and raspberry)

In a mixer, combine butter and sugar. Beat until a smooth cream is formed.

Add the flower, vanilla, and egg yolk. Blend well then put bowl in the fridge to chill.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Roll the dough into small balls and place onto a cookie sheet 1 inch apart. Using your thumb, indent the cookie in the center to make a crater. Place jam into the crater.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.